The Struggle Files: NFL Asks Pop Stars To Pay To Play At Super Bowl XLIX

The NFL’s Super Bowl still remains professional sports premiere event with an average viewership of hundreds of millions. As that number continues to climb with each year social media plays a positive factor as does the cost of advertising, the league has reportedly found a way to increase their profits even more.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the league has notified Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Coldplay that they are under consideration to perform at halftime of Super Bowl 49 next February. In the process of notifying them, the paper reports that the league has also asked some of the artists to either give a portion of their post-Super Bowl tour proceeds to the league or make some type of financial contribution in exchange for being offered the show.

People familiar with the matter told The Journal that the league’s request received a “chilly” reception from the artists’ representatives. The NFL does not pay the halftime acts, though the league typically covers the performers’ travel and production expenses.

Spokeswoman Joanna Hunter told the paper that the NFL’s contracts with performers were confidential and said the league’s only goal was to “put on the best possible show.” Hunter also said that the halftime act for next year’s game in Glendale, Ariz. had not been decided. The featured performer for the halftime show is typically announced by the league at some point during the regular season.

It is unquestionable that performing at the Super Bowl is a gigantic look but is it worth paying for? Especially if you are already a worldwide known act?